Wesley ruled out of World Cup after adductor injury; five Roma players remain in tournament

Gigi Di Biagio, a former Roma midfielder now coaching Saudi Arabia's Under-21 side, has backed Roma's direction under Gasperini following their draw with Fenerbahçe. Speaking to Retesport, Di Biagio said: "The draw with Fenerbahçe is fine, you could have won or lost it, it doesn't change anything about the path Roma must take: the glass is half full, I don't see many negative aspects in yesterday's match." Di Biagio highlighted Roma's summer recruitment and the emerging talent in the squad. He praised Emanuele Lulli as "an exceptional lad, serious and very skilled" and noted that alongside young players like Rodrigo Mora, Roma have added the experience of Nahuel Molina and Marten de Roon. "Roma has done very good business in the market," he said. He also drew a parallel between Gasperini and the late Zdeněk Zeman, noting both share "the desire to win the match at all costs, even at the risk of losing it."

Leonardo Balerdi has posted an emotional farewell to Olympique Marseille, the club he has just left to join Roma this summer. The defender, who served as Marseille captain and made 200 appearances for the French side, shared a video message addressed to the club's supporters and staff. He has already featured in Roma's opening two matches, coming off the bench and delivering strong performances. Bareldi joined Roma as the club's final summer signing and quickly integrated into Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. His departure from Marseille marks the end of a significant chapter; he arrived at the club as a 21-year-old with limited professional experience and progressed to captain the institution before this move. In his message, Balerdi said: "This message is directed at all Marseille people. This day had to arrive. I left some days pass because it wasn't easy for me. I write this with a kind of lump in my chest, a feeling hard to express. I leave my home, a special place, a place that will have a place in my heart for my whole life. A place that opened its doors to me and saw me grow over the years. From that 21-year-old boy who had only a few professional matches under his belt to the day I had the fortune and pride to become captain of this great institution and wear its shirt 200 times—a shirt so special to me. "Marseille is a unique city. Sometimes it makes you fly to touch the sky, and sometimes it makes you feel exactly the opposite. Not everything has always been perfect, but that too is part of what makes this place so special and makes you feel alive. I have only words of gratitude for the supporters. You are a unique crowd, who never stop cheering, who push to never lower your guard. You who are there for the club every day, sometimes putting your own lives aside for this great squad and who make the Vélodrome one of the most mythical stadiums in the world. "I want to thank all the people I shared this adventure with from day one: management, staff, teammates and employees. Many work in the shadows, but they are incredible professionals and above all extraordinary people. Thank you for helping me grow, to progress and for being there in the good moments and the bad ones. I leave with a peaceful spirit, with the certainty of having given everything, every drop of sweat, physically and mentally, for this club that I love so much."

Leonardo Balerdi has posted a farewell message to Olympique de Marseille nearly two weeks after his arrival at Roma. In an emotional social media statement, the defender thanked the club, its supporters and staff for his time in France, where he made 200 appearances and served as captain. "This day had to come," Balerdi wrote. "I leave my home, a special place that will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life. A place that welcomed me and saw me grow over the years. From that twenty-one-year-old with only a few professional matches to my name, to the day I had the honour and pride of becoming captain of this great club and wearing its shirt, so special to me, 200 times. Marseille is a unique city. Sometimes it makes you feel like you're flying, other times it makes you feel the exact opposite. It hasn't always been perfect, but that's also part of what makes this place so special and makes you feel alive." Bareldi expressed particular gratitude to the Vélodrome crowd, calling them "a unique public that never stops encouraging us, spurring us to never give up. You are always present for the club, sometimes putting your lives aside for this great society, and you make the Vélodrome one of the most legendary stadiums in the world." He also thanked the Marseille hierarchy, coaching staff, teammates and employees behind the scenes, describing them as "incredible professionals and, above all, extraordinary people." He concluded: "I leave with a clear conscience, certain that I gave everything, to the last drop of sweat, physically and mentally, for this club that I love so much. I gave my best, just as you do every weekend and as every Marseille person does in their daily life. Marseille and Olympique de Marseille, thank you, thank you and thank you again. I will be the first to celebrate with you."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Bryan Cristante has praised Wesley following Roma's match against Fenerbahce in Istanbul, highlighting the left-back's contribution during his debut season in Serie A. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil after the fixture, the Roma captain said: "Strong player, you could see it already in his first season in Italy, which is never easy. He did very well and is continuing to do well. He's a very good lad, I wish him and his national team all the best." Wesley has proven one of Roma's standout acquisitions, initially signed to operate on the right flank but establishing himself as a regular starter on the left wing throughout the season. His campaign has produced notable returns both defensively and in attacking contribution. The left-back's performances have made a significant impact as the club competes in Serie A's opening phase.

Wesley's performances for Roma have attracted attention from outside Italy. Scouts from Arsenal and Atlético Madrid were reportedly in Istanbul on 10 September to observe the Brazilian defender closely during Fenerbahçe's match against Roma. Both Premier League and La Liga clubs are now monitoring Wesley's development with interest, and could attempt to sign him in the January transfer window. Roma, however, have no intention of letting him leave easily. The club's valuation is substantial: any potential sale would require an offer of at least €55–60 million.

Francesco Totti has given his assessment of Roma's opening to the 2026–27 season, speaking on the sidelines of the World Padel Legends Tour. Reflecting on Roma's draw in their opening Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe, Totti said: "It's a point, hopefully it can help with the final table. Better a point than zero as they say. Let's see, it's the first Champions League match and everything is still to play for." He did not expect Roma to start the season as they have, stating: "No, I think almost nobody expected it. We started with the right foot, with the accelerator pressed and I hope it can continue like that. The league is still long, the Champions League is a separate competition, the summaries will be drawn in February–March." Totti praised the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, calling it "one of the strongest in the championship". He said: "Yes, we're talking about players who until now understand each other with their eyes closed. I hope they can continue like this." He also confirmed recent contact with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying: "Yes, I heard from him." When asked if they had booked dinner, Totti replied: "Maybe a lunch…" On the wider title picture, Totti offered his view: "Well, let's say that from how they've started, yes, they are a step ahead. Inter is the team to beat and it's difficult to do that, but with this Roma everything is possible." He emphasized that Roma's main need is consistency: "Continuity — to win the Scudetto you need that. Roma expanded their squad from last year, they made the choice of taking the right players to have a great season." Addressing young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect who recently joined the club, Totti said: "We're talking about a 2007, he changed city, culture, way of working. You have to stand by him and wait for him. Of course, if the figures are what they say, he must make a difference right away." Totti also reflected on his own legacy and future involvement with the club. On his status for Roma's continued campaign, he said: "Maybe in the league as well, maybe. Centenary? I don't know, but in the league and Champions sure." He declined to confirm progress on Roma's centenary plans, stating: "No (laughs). After what I said? There never have been."

Francesco Totti offered a bullish assessment of Roma's season prospects in remarks at the World Legends Padel Tour in Rome, insisting that despite Inter's status as favourites, the club can compete for the Scudetto if they maintain consistency. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Totti reflected on Roma's opening to the 2026-27 campaign and addressed several squad matters as the club prepares for their Champions League campaign. On yesterday's result — a draw — Totti struck a pragmatic tone: "It's a point, hoping it can help the final table. Better one than zero." He acknowledged surprise at Roma's opening: "I didn't expect it, and nobody expected it either. We started with our foot on the accelerator, and I hope it can continue that way. The league is long, the Champions League is a separate competition. When we reach February or March, we'll take stock." Totti praised the attacking partnership, saying of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen: "One of the strongest, two great players who understand each other without words. I hope they can continue this way." He also weighed Inter's challenge, noting: "Inter is the team to beat and it's hard to beat. But with this Roma everything is possible." Totti was asked about a potential return for Roma's centenary, but gave no commitment: "I don't know, but in the league and in the Champions League certainly." He denied any formal approach from the club: "There have never been any." Regarding Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect, Totti urged patience while setting high expectations: "He's changed city, culture, way of working. He's young and you have to stand by him, you have to wait for him. But if the figures are what they are, he must make a difference straightaway." On Gasperini's handling of Dybala, he said: "Paulo is having a great start to the season, at a very high level. This is the Paulo we all know — with this consistency and desire to play for Roma, it's a lot of things."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Leonardo Balerdi has made a strong impression in limited appearances for Roma, playing 43 minutes across matches against Atalanta and Fenerbahce. The Argentine defender is now poised to start against Torino, potentially giving Gianluca Mancini a rest after the latter appeared below par in recent fixtures. Balerdi's statistics are striking: he completed all 31 of his pass attempts for a perfect 100% accuracy rate, enabling clean distribution from the back. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised him after the Atalanta match, and supporters on social media have already called for him to be handed the starting role. Breaking into Roma's back line is no simple task. Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso formed the second-best defence in Serie A last season, making competition for places intense. Balerdi was born on 26 January 1999 in Villa Mercedes, a town just over 30 kilometres from Córdoba, and holds Italian citizenship alongside his Argentine passport. He has arrived in Rome alongside his partner, model Giulia Ciancio, who was born in Milan but grew up between Venice and Sicily. Ciancio's striking appearance—particularly her eyes, which blend shades of blue and emerald green and have become her signature feature in various advertising campaigns—has already drawn attention from her social media followers. Following Balerdi's debut against Atalanta, she posted on Instagram: "Seeing you happy, you have no idea the joy it gives me. With you anywhere in the world, I am proud of you."

Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano's performance in Fenerbahce's 1–1 draw with Roma on Thursday night drew criticism from Italian media. Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both awarded him 5 out of 10, while Il Romanista gave 5.5. The main complaints centred on card management, with several cautions not issued, and a challenge between Kanté and Wesley left unpunished. VAR correctly intervened to overturn an initial penalty decision for Akturkoglu's contact on Dybala, which occurred outside the box. Corriere dello Sport was blunt: "Insufficient the Spaniard Gil Manzano, far from any refereeing standard". Mile Svilar was named Roma's standout performer with an average rating of 7.2, with Gazzetta noting he "saved the draw". Bryan Cristante, who scored Roma's goal, earned 6.9, and Evan N'Dicka 6.5. Gianluca Mancini finished lowest among the outfield players at 5.1, with criticism over his attempt to intercept Greenwood's goalscoring chance: "The rush out to anticipate the goal is a gross error". Wesley also struggled on 5.5. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical rating was 6.4. Torino are preparing for Monday's visit to Roma with injury concerns across their squad. Midfielder Casadei has been sidelined for over ten days with a muscle problem and has only recently resumed running, making his availability for the Roma fixture uncertain. Defender Coco continues working separately but could return to the squad. Striker Zapata is on a personalised programme while managing residual swelling in his knee, which underwent surgery two years ago.